Possible reasons for Eminem canceling tour

Aug 18, 2005, 10:39 GMT

Eminem has quit his tour because he is "sick to the back teeth" of playing up to his onstage role of foul-mouthed rapper, friends claim.

Sources insist he can't stand performing as his chainsaw-wielding Slim Shady alter-ego ever again.

Yesterday Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, blamed exhaustion for his dramatic cancellation of the European leg of his Anger Management Tour.

The shock news was announced on his website, which read: "Eminem is being treated for exhaustion, complicated by other medical issues. The shows are not expected to be rescheduled."

But a close pal told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "He has had enough of being someone he's not.

"He created Eminem and revelled in the fame and fortune it brought him, but he is sick to the back teeth of it now.

"He just wants to return to being Marshall Mathers. He has no solo albums planned and isn't bothered about losing out on millions from ticket sales and merchandise."

Last month, it was claimed Eminem was set to retire and move into producing records full-time.

He also reportedly turned down an offer to play at world charity show Live 8 to spend time with his daughter Hailie.

Another source added: "He's just not interested in being a celebrity anymore."

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International